El Karkouri makes Qatar switch

Charlton Athletic's Talal El Karkouri has made a loan switch to Qatar outfit Al Gharafa.

Charlton Athletic's Talal El Karkouri has made a loan switch to Qatar outfit Al Gharafa, with a view to making the move permanent in the summer.

The 29-year-old has struggled to hold down regular football at The Valley this season and was keen to grasp the chance to display his talents in the Gulf State.

El Karkouri cost The Addicks £1 million when he joined the South East London outfit from Paris Saint German back in July 2004.

However, with injury hampering the defender's form this season, manager Alan Curbishley was happy to allow the defender the opportunity to play in Qatar.

"We have allowed Talal to go to Al Gharafa on loan for the remainder of the season with a view to a permanent move," Curbishley told the club's official website.

"Talal expressed a desire to have the chance of joining the club because of his lack of first-team opportunities this season, and the chance to play regularly with Al Gharafa.

"He missed a large part of the first half of the season through injury and hasn't played too many games since, so I was happy to give him this opportunity."